Robert David Norris left the constable embarrassed after he locked him out of his Volvo and drove off with the blue lights still flashing.
The 28-year-old from Plasmarl, Swansea, pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without consent at Cardiff Magistrates' Court and was jailed for 84 days.
Norris also admitted stealing the officer's satellite navigation system so he could find his way to the nearest train station after abandoning the patrol car.
Paul Hewitt, prosecuting, said Norris was driving along the A470 Manor Way in Cardiff at around 2.30am on November 22 when he was stopped by PC Liam Buttle, who was concerned at the speed he was driving his Vauxhall Corsa.
Norris was put into the back of the patrol car for questioning but activated the central locking, leaving PC Buttle unable to get back in.
The court heard the police car was recovered a short distance away soon afterwards but when PC Buttle checked it over, he noticed the satellite navigation system was missing.
Norris, who the prosecutor said had a "substantial record going back ten years," was not apprehended until Saturday at a house in Swansea.
Mr Hewitt said in police interview, Norris told officers "sorry about the sat-nav but I had to find my way back to the train station".
Giles Hayes, defending, said Norris had panicked and taken the car in an "impulsive action".
Mr Hayes added: "Despite the fact that he is a prolific offender in the past, the most recent conviction for dishonesty was for interfering with a vehicle in September of last year."
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